Wear Your Bollywood

At the Incredible India Week in August, held at Siam Paragon to celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day, acclaimed fashion designer Joy Mitra showcased his Indian cinema–inspired collection, Abhinaya. His quirky-chic tribute to the history of Indian cinema sees garments with prints of Bollywood legends, such as Devika Rani, Madhubala, Hema Malini, and Rekha, as well as images from director Satyajit Ray’s 1964 film Charulata. Sound strange and showy? That’s what Mitra was going for. “This collection is literal because films are large and in your face. But I balanced that with some subdued and feminine garments.” Abhinaya comprises flowy anarkalis, dresses, lehengas, and saris in a mix of bright and earthy palettes. Mitra was thrilled about showcasing his collection in Bangkok. “When you are doing a show outside of your country, it is not only Joy Mitra [who is being represented], it is also India.” —REENA KARIM